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Incursion

/ɪnˈkɜːrʒən/

nounC1

Definition

Incursion means a quick and unexpected entry into an area, often by soldiers or people who do not belong there. It usually suggests a small attack or a brief invasion. The word is often used in military or security contexts but can also describe any sudden, unwanted visit into a space.

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See It in Action

A sudden, brief entry into an area, especially by armed forces

  • •The army made an incursion into enemy territory at dawn.
  • •There was a brief incursion by rebels across the border last night.
  • •The border guards stopped the incursion before it grew larger.

Any quick, unwanted or unexpected entry into a place

  • •The hikers reported an incursion of wild animals into their camp.
  • •The company faced an incursion of competitors into its market.

Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "incursion" like "visit" (A1 word), but a visit that is sudden, unwanted, and maybe dangerous
  • ✓Picture a small group of soldiers quickly crossing a border and entering another country without warning
  • ✓It's the feeling of surprise and concern when someone enters your home without asking
  • ✓Sounds like "in-KUR-zhun" → imagine a door being pushed open quickly and quietly by someone coming inside fast
  • ✓In stories, think of knights or armies crossing into enemy lands for a short fight or spying mission
  • ✓NOT like "invasion" (big and long attack), incursion is usually smaller and shorter
  • ✓NOT like "exploration" (friendly and allowed), incursion is often without permission or hostile
  • ✓NOT like "patrol" (routine and safe), incursion is unexpected and can cause trouble

Try Other Words

  • •Raid: a sudden attack or entry to take something or cause damage (Use when the entry includes stealing or fighting)
  • •Invasion: a large and longer entry by an army to take control (Use when the entry is big and meant to stay)
  • •Intrusion: unwanted entry, often personal or private (Use for smaller, less violent entries, like into privacy or personal space)

Unboxing

  • •Prefix "in-" means "into" or "inside"
  • •Root "curs" comes from Latin "currere," meaning "to run"
  • •Suffix "-ion" turns the verb into a noun meaning "the action or process"
  • •Origin: From Latin "incursio," meaning "a running into" or "attack"
  • •Historically used to describe sudden military attacks or border crossings
  • •Today, used in military, security, and sometimes general contexts for sudden entries

Reflect & Connect

•How might an incursion differ in peaceful places versus conflict zones?
•Can an incursion ever be positive or helpful, or is it always negative?

Fill in the blanks

1.The soldiers made an incursion ___ the enemy's land without warning, causing surprise.
2.An incursion usually causes ___ because it is unexpected and unwanted.
3.Unlike a full invasion, an incursion is often ___ and does not last long.
4.The border guards worked hard to stop the incursion ___ it became a bigger problem.
5.In business, an incursion by competitors can ___ a company’s sales and customers.
6.When someone makes an incursion into private property, they usually do so without ___.
7.The incursion was quick, so the local people had little time to ___ or react.